X-ray apparatus



J; J. GROBE X-RAY APPARATUS July 27 1926.

Filed Sept. 1920 9 Shaatg-Sheec 1 mJ M J A TTORN E Y5.

July 27,1 26. 1,594,111

,1. J. GROBE X-RAY APPARATUS Filed sept 10 1920 9 sheetgslggt 4 FIG. 6

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July 27', 1926.

J. J. GROBE X-RAY APPARATUS .F'ilqd Sept. 0, 1920 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG.H

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Patented July 27, 1926.

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JULIUS J. GROBE, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO VICTOR X-BAY CORPORA-'IION, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

X-RAY APPARATUS.

Appfieation filed September My object, generally stated, is to provideimprovements in X-ray apparatus to the end that the same will be causedto be better adapted for performing the service for which structures ofthis character are provided. I

Qne o'i' my more particular objects is to provide a table adapted to beused for both fluoroscopic and radiographic work and which shall employ,instead of the two Isl-ray tubes heretofore commonly used on tables forpertorming this dual work, andwithout the loss 01 range, flexibility orease of movement, a single X-ray tube with consequent reduction in theamount of material required, the cost of manufacture and shipping andthe avoidance of the necessity of cl'ianging the X-ray tube from oneholder to another, as is necessary where a single K-ray tube is used onthe tables as hitherto provided, and other objects as will be apparentfrom the following description.

v Referring to the accompanying drawlugs- Figure 1 is a View in sideelevation of a table constructed in accordance with my invention, theX-ray-tubedrolding mechanism being shown in position for fluoroscopicwork. Figure 2 is a plan view of the structure shown in Fig. 1, thetable top being shown in l'iorizontal position. Figure B is a planw' iewoil? the structure of the preceding figures with certain parts omittedand others broken away. Figure *1 is a view in end elevation of the saidstructure with certain parts sectioned and others broken away. Figure 5is an end View of certain of the members in part forming the frame ofthe table, this view being taken along the line 5 on Fig. 1 and viewedin the direction oi the arrows. Figure 6 is a broken, elevational view,partly sectional, of one of the lower members of the frame of the table,and the lower portion of the tube-stand with which the X-ray tubeholderis operatively connected. Figure 7 is a view in elevation, and partlysectional, of the combined handle and-shuter-operating device, throughthe medium of which the X-ray tube-holder is shifted on its support, theparts in section being taken at the line 77 on Fig. 4; and viewed in thedirection of the arrows. Figis a plan view oil one side of the shuture 0ter mechanism used in connection with the tubeholding structure. Figure9 is a side 10, 1920. Serial No. 409,384.

view of the structure shown. in Fig. 8 together with theX-ray-tube-holding frame, and a portion of the guide-equipped part ofthe frame of the table. Figure 10 is a plan view of the structure shownin Fig. 8 with ure 13 is a view like Fig. 1, with certainv partsremoved, showing the X-raytubeholding structure in a position forsupporting an X-ray tube for radiographic work and equipped with acompression cylinder. Figure 1 1- is a plan View ottheX-ray-tubesupporting structure shown in Fig. 13, the column forming apart of this structure being shown in section. Figure 15 is a brokensection taken at the line 15 on Fig. 14- and viewed in the direction ofthe arrow. Figure 16 is a view in side elevation of a detail of themechanism for swinging the tabletop through a vertical plane. Figure 17is a section taken at the line 17-17 on Fig. 16 and viewed in thedirection of the arrows. Figure 18 is a section taken at the line 18-18on Fig. 17 and viewed in the direction of the arrows. Figure 19 is aperspec tive View of the pawl device forming a part of the mechanism ofFigs.,l6, 17 and 18. Figure 20 is a plan view of the table-top, showingcertain parts in section and others broken away and illustrating theplateshifting mechanism in plan. Figure 21 is a section taken at theline 21 on Fig. 20 and viewed in the direction of the arrow. Figure 22is a broken view in longitudinal section, of the cushioning meansemployed for the plate-shifting mechanism. Figure 28 is a view insection of the valved vent portion of the cushioning cylinder shown inFig. 22, the section being taken at the line 23 on Fig. and viewed inthe direction of the arrow. Figure 24 is a sectional View of a triggerdevice employed, the same being taken at the line 2st on Fig. 20 andviewed in the direction of the arrow. Figure 25 is a View in sideelevation of a portion of the table top with the plate-shifting meansthereon, and showing the cushioning mechanism for the latter. Figure 26is a plan view of the carriage supporting the plate'holder. Figure 27 isan edge view of the carriage of Fig. 26. Figure 28 is a plan view of theplate-holder. Figure 29 is a view in longitudinal sectional elevation ofthe plateholder; and Figure 30, a View in longitudinal sectionalelevation of the X-ray tube and bowl.

The main frame of the table is formed of uprights 30 and 31 at one endof the structure, the uprights 32 and 33 at the opposite end thereof,the intermediate uprights 34 and 35, the cross-frame member 36 connectedwith the lower ends of the uprights 30 and 31 and projecting laterallybeyond the frame and terminating in an upwardly-extending projection 37,a cross-bar 38 at the opposite end connecting the uprights 32 and 33,rods 39 and 40 located at opposite sides of the frame and connecting theuprights 30 and 33 and 31 and 32, respectively, rods 41 and 42 extendinglengthwise of the frame and connecting the uprights 31, 34 and 32together and the uprights 30 and 35, respectively, and a rod 43extending lengthwise of the table, this rod being connected between itsend with the upright 37 and at the right-hand end thereof in Fig. 2 witha laterally-extending member 45 carried by the upright 33, the rod 43being arranged parallel with the median line of the frame, the uprightsreferred to being preferably equipped with rollers to facilitate themovement of the table over the floor. The frame thus provided isequipped with the usual insulating columns 46 carrying reels 47 on whichthe wires for conducting current to the X-ray tube from the insulatingstructure 46 are run, this being in accordance with common practice.

The table-top which, in accordance with the preferred illustratedembodiment of the invention, is equipped with plate-shifting mechanismprovided for the purpose of making stereoscopic radiographs, is locatedbetween the sides of the frame hereinbefore described and compriseslongitudinaliy-extending rods 48 and 49 spaced apart and provided withbrackets, or braces, 50 at their opposite ends, connected together bycross bars 51 and 52 at opposite ends of the table, with U-shaped bars53 having their channels extending toward each other, connected at theirends with the brackets 50, with spaces provided between the bars 53 andthe ad jacent rods 48 and 49 which they parallel, the portion of thetable-top framed by the members 51, 52 and 53 being formed of a plate 51of material transparent to X-rays, and two plate sections of materialopaque to X-rays, fiatwise opposing the plate 54 and movable lengthwiseof the table to present between their adjacent ends, at any desiredpoint along the table, a space, or window, through which the X-rays forpenetrating the patient positioned on the tabletop, may pass, this beingin accordance with common practice. The table-top thus provided carriestoward one end thereof (the left-hand end in Fig. 2) brackets 55 and 56which embrace, and are firmly secured to, the rods 48 and 49, thesebrackets being equipped with trunnions 57 and 58, respectively, whichare mounted in the upper ends of the uprights 30 and 31, respectively,thereby adapting the table-top to be swung in a vertical plane on ahorizontal axis to horizontal or vertical position or any intermediateangular position desired, the tabletop as shown being provided at itslefthand end in F ig. 1 with a head-rest 59 pivotally connected with theframe of the table-top as indicated at the one end at 60, and carryingset-screws 61 extending through arc slots 62 in segments 63 carried bythe frame of the table-top, the construc tion thus provided permittingthe head-rest to be tilted on the table-top to any desired position. Inpractice the shorter end of the table-top, namely, the left-hand end inFigure 1, would be counter-weighted to render the table-topsubstantially balanced when a patient is positioned thereon.

Located at one side of the table-top and carried by the frame of thetable is mechanism for supporting an X-ray tube and, in accordance withthe preferred illustrated embodiment of my invention, a fluorescentscreen for use when the apparatus is em ployed for fluoroscopic work, adescription of the illustrated mechanism referred to being as follows:Located between the rods 43 and 43 and 39 and 41 is a hollow column 64connected at its lower end with a clamping sleeve 65 which rests at ahorizontal surface 66 thereon against the top portion 67 of a member 68having a laterally cut-away portion 69 and equipped in the recess thusformed with rollers 70 journaled thereon and grouped about the rod withwhich they con tact and afford means whereby the structure supportedfrom these rollers may be readily moved along the rod 43*, the members65 and 68 being connected together through the medium of screws 71 whichpass through elongated slots 72 in the member 65 and screw into themember 68, this feature permitting the column 64 to be adjusted on themember 68 crosswise of the table so as to bring the column in a positionperpendicular to the tabletop. The column 64 is also provided with abracket 73 rigidly secured thereto and having a laterally-extendingportion 74, preferably curved on its under side, Which extends over andpartially embraces the rod 43, the portion 74 being equipped withrollers 7 5 which engage opposite sides of the rod 43 and serve inconnection with the rollers 70 to provide a very stable rollingconnection between the column 64 and the frame of the machine, it

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being understood that this column is thereby adapted to be shifted alongthe table-top as desired. Surrounding the column 64 and slidable up anddown thereon is a sleeve 76 which has a cut-away portion 71' to permitthe sleeve to be lowered a relatively great distance, as shown in Figure1, without interference therewith by the bracket 78, the sleeve 76 beingequipped at its upper and lower ends with rollers 78 adapted to bearagainst the column 6 1 and thereby reduce, to the minimum, frictionbetween the sleeve and column in the movement of the sleeve on thelatter. The sleeve 76 is connected with one end of a cable 79 whichextends upwardly over a pulley 80 journaled at 81 on ahead 81 rotatableon a vertical axis, on the upper end of the column 641, the other end ofthis cable extending downwardly through the head 81 into the interior ofthe column where it is connected preferably, by the antifriction joint82 with a counterweight which slides freely up and down in the column64-. The cable 7 9 extends through a centrally-disposed aperture 8 1 inan auxiliary counter-weight 85, also adapted to silde up and down in thecolumn 6 1- and cooperating with a catch 86 for holding it in the raisedinoperating position shown in Fig. 4-, except under the conditions ashereinafter explained, the counterweight 8-1 being preferably formedwith an annular depending flange 87 spaced from the body of the weightand forming an annular channel 88 and the catch referred to beingpreferably formed of a pin 89 mounted in an apertured boss 90 on thecolumn 6 1 and extending at its inner end, which is provided with afinger 91, through an opening in the wall of the column, the pin 89having a linger grip by means of which this pin may be moved, inopposition to the action of a coiled spring 93 surrounding the pin andtending to move it to the right in Fig. 41-. to prevent the withdrawalof the finger 91 from the interlocked position relative to the flange 87shown in Fig. 4, to permit the weight 85 to lower. under the conditionshereinafter explained.

The sleeve 76 is provided with a lateral extension 9 1 projecting towardthe table-top and terminating in the disk-portion 95 provided centrallywith a pivot stud 95 which extends through. a similar disk-member 96which fits flat-wise against the disk 95, the pivot-stud referred tobeing provided with means shown at 97, and which may be of any suitableconstruction for producing the desired frictional engagement betweenthese disks, to permit the disk 90 and the parts carried thereby, ashereinafter described, to be adjusted to any desired position on thedisk 95 and about the pivot-stud and be releasably held in such adjustedposition. The disk 96 carries the parallel members 98 conto be movablealong the latter, is a tube-.

holding, structure formed of a frame comprising side members 104 havingsleeve-por tions 105 encircling the rods 101, the members 104 containingopenings for pivot pins, hereinafter referred to, located midway betweenthe sleeves 105, and also containing arcsl1aped slots 107, the members1041 beingconnected together at their endsby rods 108. Located withinthe space provided between the member 104, is a plate 109 carrying pivotpins 106 which extend through the pivot openings hereinbefore referredto, in the members 104, adapting the plate 109 to be swung about an axisextending transversely of the frame of which the rods 101 are parts, theplate 109 having angularly-disposed extensions-110 into which set-screwdevices 111, passing through the slots 107, screw, for the purpose ofpermitting the plate 109 to be locked in any desired position ofadjustment about the axis on which it swings, the inner surfaces of theextensions 110 containing grooves 112 paralleling the face of the plate109 and extending lengthwise of the frame of which the rods 101areparts. Flatwise opposing the plate 109 which is centrally apertured, isanother plate. 113 also centrally ape'rtured and connected with theplate 109 to be rotatable thereon, friction plungers represented at 114-serving to hold the plate 113 in adjusted position, as will beunderstood in the art. The plate 113 carries means, represented at 113in accordance with common practice, for releasably securing thereto, acompression cylinder 113 used in radiographic work, and at its oppositeside is equipped with a bowl of insulating material opaque to X-rays,formed of two sections 115 and 115 clamped together by means of nuts andbolts as indicated at 255,

the joint between these sections being made 1 light tight in anysuitable manner, as for example in the way illustrated at 256. Eachsection of the bowl contains an aperture 257, preferably semi-circularin shape, these apertures registering with each other and togetherforming a circular opening for the passage therethrough of the usefulX-rays. To prevent the passage of illuminating rays through the opening257, a plate 258 constructed of any suitable material opaque toilluminating rays, but transparent to X-rays, is confined in the opening257 in any suitable way, as for example as illustrated at 259. The X-raytube, represented at 260, is held within the bowl referred to, in spacedrelation from the walls of the latter, by means of resilient spacingcushions 260 in a manner well known in the art. In practice the tube 260is inserted in the bowl by first separating the sections 115 and 115slipping each half of the bowl over one of the stems 260 of the tube,the radiating washers 261 being removable, thereupon placing the disk258 in position in the opening 257, and then clamping the two sectionsof the bowl together by means of the nuts and bolts 255, the severalparts assuming the positions rep resented in Fig. 30. Means forpreventing illuminating rays from passing out at the ends of the stemsof the bowl may be provided, as for example those indicated at 262 andformed of washers of material opaque to illuminating rays. The bowl andX-ray tube are held in position on plate 113 by means of the spacedstandards 116 and caps 117 held together by means of screws 117.

It may be here stated that by reason of the construct-ion of thetube-holding means in general, the tube may be rotated with the plate113, on the plate 109, the plate 109 may be rocked to any desiredposition of adjustment at the pivots 106, the frame of which the members10 1 form parts may be moved along the rods 101, the frame formed inpart of the rods 101 may be rotated on the member 76 at its pivotalconnection 95 there with, the sleeve 76 carrying all of the parts justreferred to may be raised and lowered on the column 6 1 at will andturned about the column and the latter may be shifted, while maintainingits upright position, along the rods 43 and 13 by which it is supported,these combinations of movements thereby affording to the structure greatflexibility and adapting the X-ray tube to be adjusted into the variouspositions required for fluoroscopic and radiographic work, it beingpossible by the structure thus provided to position the frame of whichthe, rods 101 are parts, beneath the table-top as for use influoroscopic work as shown in Fig. i, and above the tabletop as for usein radiographic work, as illu trated in Fig. 13.

The arrangement as shown involves the use of shutter mechanism for usein fluoroscopic work, this mechanism'being provided for ready assemblyand disassembly with the other parts of the apparatus depending onwhether the machine is to be used on fluoroscopic or radiographic work,the following being a description of the shutter mechanism as provided.The mechanism comprises a supporting plate-like member 121 equipped withupwardlyextending bosses 122 spaced apart and firmly securing, by capsections 123 thereon, a rod 124 which extends lengthwise of the member121 and is adapted at its free end to enter a sleeve-guide 125 dependingfrom the. cross member 102 midway between the ends of the latter, thisfeature of the construction relieving the parts carried by the rods 101and the shutter, from strain imposed by the weight of the parts or forceapplied in operating the shutter. The inner end of the member 121, whichis expanded as shown, is equipped with four shutter plates 126, 127, 128and 129, 'the shutter plates 126 and 127 being located at one side ofthe member 121 to co-operate with the opening 130 in the latter, and theshutter plates 128 and 129 being located at the opposite side of themember 121. The shutter plates 126 and 127 are mounted be.- tweengrooved studs 131 and grooved studs 132 on the member 121, to movecrosswise of the member 121; and to effect this movement sinmltaneously,these shutter plates are pivotally connected at 133 and 13 1- with theends of toggles 135 and 136 pivoted at 137 and-138 on the member 121 andpivotally connected at 139 with a rod 140 pivotally connected at 141with a crank-arm 1-12 on a vertically-disposed rod 1 13 located, andretatable, in a sleeve 1 1-1- likewise rotatable in a tubular member 115 rising from, and supported on, an end of member 121, the member 1&3having a hand-grip 1 16 at its upper end by means of which it may berotated to move the shutters 126 and 127 toward and away from each otheracross the opening 130. The shutter plates 128 and 129 are guidinglysupported at the under side of member 121 to move across the opening 130but in a direction at right angles to the movement of the shutter plates126 and 127, by means of grooved studs 1 17 and 1 1-8, these shutterplates carrying pins 149 and 150, respectively, which extend intoelongated slots 151 and 152, respectively, in a lever 153 pivoted at 154on the member 121, this lever being pivotally connected at 155 with oneend of a link 156, the other end of which is pivotally connected at 157with a crank-arm 158 pro vided on the rotatable sleeve 144:, this sleevehaving a handle-grip 158 through the medium of which the sleeve 1 14:may be rotated to move the shutter plates 128 and 129 toward and awayfrom each other across the opening 130. The opposite side edges,represented at 159 and 160, of the member 121 are adapted to enter thegrooves 112 on the plate member 109 and thus telescope with the latterupon applying the shutter device to the position shown in Fig. 4, theends of the grooves 112 preferably flaring, as inclicated at 161, tofacilitate the introduction of the member 121 into these guide-grooves.As a means for securely holding the shutter mechanism referred to inplace relative to the X-ray tube-holder, I provide a catchdevice formedof a lever 162 pivoted on the member 121 at 163 and having a shoulderedend portion 161 adapted to snap over a shoulder portion 1.65 on one ofthe extensions 110 under the action of a spring 166 interposed betweenthe other end of the lever 162 and the member 121.

In connection with the use of the table for fluoroscopic work, I providemeans for supporting a fluorescent screen above the tabletop, thesemeans in the particular arrangement shown, comprising a pair of uprightrods 167, mounted in sockets 168 provided in the members 98, to beadjustable lengthwise therein, the sockets 168 being provided with setscrews 1.69 for clamping these rods in place, the upper ends of theserods being connected together by a crossbar 170. Mounted on the rods 167to be slidable up and down thereon, is a screen-supporting bar 171formed with sleeve portions 172 surrounding the rods 167 and connectedtoget-her by a bar section 173 and from which laterally projects afriction-disk 178, the sleeve sections 172 being provided with rollers175 journaled thereon and engaging the rods 167 to permit of readyvertical adjustment of the screen-holding frame on the rods 167. Therectangular frame member 17 1 is provided at one end with a frictiondisk174 from the face of which a stud 17 1 projects whereby the frictionsurfaces of the two disks 173 and 17 1 are held in engagement one withthe other to allow the screenframe member 17 1 to be rotated about thestud 17 1 as an axis and held frictionally in adjusted position for apurpose hereinafter described. The frame member 174 projects so that itsaxis is in a plane substantially parallel with the frame of which therods 101 are parts, this screenholding frame by reason of its mounting,as stated, maintaining the above parallelism with. the other frame justreferred to, at all times and being so arranged as to extend in oneposition of adjustment of the member 96, flatwise of the table-top anddirectly above it as indicated in Figs. 2 and 4-. The frame 174: isadapted to receive a removable and replaceable frame 176 in which thefluorescent screen proper 177 is mounted, this frame having handles 179by which it may be introduced into, and removed from the frame 174. Theframe 176 is provided at its opposite edges with grooved rollers 180,into which grooves the inner opposing edges of the side members of theframe 174 extend for holding the frame 176 in place, these side edgescontaining recesses 181 into which the rollers 180 are introduced toengage these rollers with the sides of the frame 174 upon shifting theframe 17 6 to the position shown in Fig. 2. The frame 174 beyond theframe 176 is provided with a plate 182 pivoted to the frame 17 1 at 183and carrying a spring bumper184-to cushion the frame 176 in slidingwithin its supporting frame, the bumper 184 being movable out ofoperating position when it is desired to remove the frame 176, byswinging the plate 182 gm its pivot 183.

As hereinbefore stated, the table-top is adapted to be swung fromhorizontal to vertical position and to any desired angle intermediatethese extreme positions, and tothis end I provide mechanism whereby thetable-top may be adjusted readily and maintained in its position ofadjustment, a description of these means as shown being as follows:Rigidly secured to one of the trunnions 58 is a segmental gear 185 whichmeshes with a pinion 186 rigidly secured, by .a screw 187, to a shaft188 journaled in a bracket 189 on the main frame of the machine. Theshaft 188 may be operated in any suitable manner, as for example bymeans of a crank 188 rigidly secured to the shaft 188 by a screw 190.The bracket 189 is formed with a disk portion 191 which is provided onthe face thereof opposite the crank 188 with a raceway 192 in which aseries of balls 193 are located, these balls bearing against a frictionplate 194 having journal mounting on the shaft 188 and pressed towardthe disk 191, by means of plungers 195 located in sockets 196 in thecrank 188 and backed up by springs 197, the crank 188 at the portionthereof adjacent the disk 191 being in the form of a circular ratchet198. The disk 191 is provided with a pin 199 projecting from a facethereof into an enlarged, arc-shaped, slot 200 in the plate 191, wherebythe plate 191 is permitted to have limited rotary movement on the shaft188. Co-operating with the ratchet 198 is a pawl 20]. pivoted at 202 onthe plate 191, the lower toothed end 208 of this pawl being adapted toengage the teeth of the ratchet 198 for holding the shaft 188 againstclockwise rotation in Fig 16, a spring represented at 20 1 andlocatedbetween a lug 205 on the plate 191 and the arm 206 of the pawlserving to yieldingly force the tooth 203 into engagement with the teethof the ratchet 198. The pawl 201 adjacent the tooth 203 is provided withan inwardly-extending lip 207 which extends into a notch 208 in theperiphery of the disk 194, the

parts above described being so proportioned and arranged that when theplate 194 is rotated in anti-clockwise direction in Figs. 16 and 18, thecorner 209 of the notch 208 will engage the lip 207 and rock the pawl201 in clockwise direction in Figs. 16 and 18 sufficiently far to movethe tooth 208 out of the path of rotation of the teeth on the ratchet198.

The operation of the table-tilting mechanism described is as followsAssuming the parts thereof to be in the position shown in Figs. 16, 1'7and 18, which represent the normal positions of these parts, theoperator to tilt the table toward a position in which it extendsvertically, rotates the shaft 188 by the crank 188 in counterclockwisedirection, to that shown in Figs. 16 and 18. Thus rotating this shaftrotates the ratchet 198, and through the medium of the plungers 195 thedisk 194, the latter rotating in counter-cloclnvise direction in Figs.16 and 18 until'restrained by engagement at the wall of the slot 200with the pin 199. In this position, as above stated, the tooth 203 isout of engagement with the ratchet 198 and thus the operator maycontinue to rotate the shaft 188 in counter-clockwise direction forcontinuing the movement of the table-top to vertical position withouteffecting the rocking of the pawl 201 each time a tooth of the ratchetpasses the tooth 203 of the pawl, thereby avoiding objectionableclicking incident to the running of a ratchet across a pawl. A slightrotation of the shaft 188 in clockwise direction in Figs 16 and 18 aswhen the operator, upon the table reaching the desired position,discontinues pressure on the crank for rotating. it in anti-clockwisedirection, operates to rotate the disk 194 in clockwise direction inFigs. 16 and 18, thereby withdrawing the corner 209 from engagement withthe lip 207 and permitting the spring 204 to rock the pawl 201 into aposition in which the tooth 203 may engage the adjacent one of the teeth198, thereby preventing further clockwise movement of the shaft 188 andholding the table-top in the desired adjusted position. If it is desiredto return the table-top toward horizontal position, the operator rocksthe pawl 201 by pressing on the portion 206 to disengage the tooth 203from the teeth of the ratchet 198, and by grasping the crank 188 permitsthe tabPetop to slowly lower, and when the desired position ofadjustment of the latter is effected. releases the bar and permits itsspring 204 to rock it to a position in which its tooth 203 interlockswith the ratchet 198.

The apparatus as shown involves, as her inbefore stated, means wherebystereoscopic radiographs may be produced, a description of theseillustrated means being as follows, and as to the general featuresthereof being the same as those disclosed in United States Patent No.1,242,498 granted to J. B. Wantz, October 9, 1917. The means referred toare formed of a carriage 210 shown as formed of a rectangular frameprovided at its opposite edges with grooved rollers 211 at which thiscarriage i'ollingly engages guide rods 212 supported at the inner sidesof the channel bars 73, the rods 212 and the bars 5 extending inparallel relation and these rods supporting the carriage beneath sectionof the table-top. The carriage 210 is so constructed, as shown, as toprovide at its opposite edges grooves 213 adapted to receive theopposite edges of a plate-holding device hereinafter described, thelatter being adapted to be thus assembled with the carriage bytelescoping it therewith, the carriage being provided at one end with anangle bar 214 forming a part of the frame of the carriage and operatingas a stop for the plate-holding device, and at its opposite end with across bar 215 also forming a part of the frame of the carriage.(Jo-operating with the carriage 210 are means for effecting the shiftingof the carriage to shift the sensitized plates from the position inwhich one thereof is exposed for the taking of one picture. to aposition in which the other sensitized plate is exposed for the takingof the companion stereoscopic picture, these means comprising a cylinder216 secured, to

having a downwardly-cxtending stud 222 W which is connected with one endof a coiled spring 223, the other end of this spring being connectedwith a depending bracket 22a-v rigidly connected with the cylinder 216,the

spring 223 tending to shift the carriage 210 toward the end member 52 inFig. 20. The carriage 210 at its end adjacent member 51 (Fig. 20) isprovided with a handle portion 225 projecting laterally therefrom andinto such position at the side of the apparatus as to permit an operatorto readily grasp it and through the medium thereof shift the carriagetoward the member 51 in Fig. 20.

The handle device 225 presents a shoulder portion 226 adapted to becomeinterlocked with a trigger device 227 formed of a casing 228 secured toa stationary part of the table structure and containing a springpressedplunger 229 having a cable 230 connected therewith for retracting theplunger, which latterunder the operation of its impelling springnormally projects into the path of the shoulder 2 6, and when thecarriage 210 is shifted toward the member 51 in Fig. 20 to its extremeposition interlocking with the shoulder 226 to releasably hold thecarriage in such position against the action of the spring 223.

The construction of the plateh0lder shown involves the provision of tworectangular-shaped open frames 231 hinged together at their adjacentedges as indicated at 232, the duplex frame thus provided being adaptedto telescope with the carriage 210 as hereinbefore explained, and inthus or w) cated at positioning; it in the carriage, a lug on thiscarriage and represented at 233 is adapted to drop behind one of theframes 231, this lug and the end bar 214 or the carriage 210 preventingthe plateholder from becoming displaced. Each one of these frames 231has hingedly connected therewith, as indii3-l-, a plate 235 which may bet aluminum, or any other suitable material, and which. when extending inthe plane of the frames 231, is held in place by spring catchesrepresented at 236. Zl he plates 235 are provided as the direct supportsfor the sensitized plates on which the radiographs are to he made and bypreference each of these plates is provided with clamping devices 237and son. The plate-fastening devices 237 and 238., which are adapted tobe adjusted toward and away vfrom each other on the plates carryingthem, are formed 0t bars 239 and 240, respectively, each of whichcarries a set of clips 241 extending therefrom in one direction for usein securing cassettes to the plates 235', and a set out springclips241-2 for securing the sensitized plates, enclosed in protectingenvelopes, direct to the plates 235, the bars 239 and 240 being providedwith pins 2% extending through slots 24a in the plates and equipped atthe under sides of these plates with spring washers 245 "for holding thedevices 237 and 238 in relatively adjusted position. Each of the plates235 is provided on its upper surface with i'narkings shown as sets ofdots in circles with the designations 810, 1012, etc. The sets of guidemarkings shown above the slotted portions 244- of the plates 235 serveas guides in the accurate positioning of the sensitized plates secured.in cassettes, and the lower sets of dots serve as guides in thepositioning of the plates enclosed in envelopes. By way of illustration,assuming that cassette 24.6 containing a sensitized plate of S X 10 sizeis to be secured to the plate in the right-hand frame 231 to extend atits long dimension crosswise of the plate-holder, the operator wouldposition the cassette represented at 246 as shown at the right hand endof Fig. 28. the upper corner of which at the left-hand side of thecassette in 28 registering with the dot opposite the numeral 10, and thesecuring devices 237 and 2 8 then adjusted on the plate 285 to firmlyhold the cassette in place. If it is desired that the long dimension ofeach plate extend lengthwise of the holder, the cassettes would beturnedthrough an angle of 90 to cause their long dimensions to extendlengthwise of the holder and one corner of each cassette positioned toregister with the point 8 in F 2 To insure the positioning of thesensitized plate in the left-hand frame 231 at right angles to the axisol the plate-holder,

the bar 239 is provided at the collar portions 24-7 and 248 withdepending pins (not shown) adapted to extend into the openings 24:8 inthe plates 235 which are so arranged in the various adjusted positionsof securinp; dev'ce 237 that the latter will always ex tend at a rightangle to the axis of the plate-holder.

The arrangement of the carriage 210 and the parts with which itco-operates is such that the posit-ion occupied by the sensitized platecarried on the lelthand section of the plate-holder in Fig. 28, relativeto a fined part of the apparatus, when the carriage 210 is shifted fromits extreme posit-ion adjacent member 51 in Fig. 205 wherein the triggeris in engagement with the shoulder toward the member 52 in Figure to theposition therein shown, is the same as that occupied by the cassettecarried at the right-hand end of the plate-holder in Fig". 28 when thetrigger 229 is in engagen'ient with the shoulder 226 the two companionplates for forming the stereoscopic picture thus occupying the sameposition during; exposure it being understood that in accordance withcommon practice the Iii-ray tube-holding; device above referred towould, in the making or" the first exposure, direct its rays through thebody to be photographed, the desired angle at one side of a planeextending at right angles to the alane occupied by the sensitizedplates; and for male 15 the second exposure on the secend plate bedirected at the same angle through the body but at the opposite side ofa plane extending at right angles to the plane occupied by thesensitized plates.

The lead glass bowl consisting of the two sections 115 and 115hereinbetore referred to may be entirely coated with any suitableinsulating compound opaque to light, preferably with the exception of asmall bulls eye provided for the purpose of permitting the operator toobserve the operation of the tube and which may also serve as a guide tothe operator in the centering of the tube in the tube-holder. Thepurpose otthus coating the bowl is to intercept illuminating raysproduced in the X-ray tube and thereby prevent any efiect on thedilation of the pupils of the observers eyes. H desired, instead ofcoating the bowl as stated it may be provided, in any suitable way ofsuch color. such as red, blue or black, that illuminating rays inpassing there through will not affect the dilationof the pupils of theobservers eyes.

In the use o'tthe apparatus for fluoroscopic work, in which. use thetube-holding device would be positioned below the table top and theplate-holder ot 28 removed from the carriage 210, the entire tube-standwlrch 18 mounted on the rods 43 and 48 as hereinhetore explained, is runalongthese all rods to a point beyond the head of the table (theright-hand end of the table in Fig. 1) and the tube-holding deviceadjusted to assume the depending position shown in Fig. 4 which iseffected by rotating the frame of which the rods 101 are a part at itspivotal connection with the member 95, the said frame in this positionextending beneath the table-top. The tube-stand is then moved in theopposite direction along its supporting guide-waysto embrace between apair of rollers 249 on this frame, a bar 250 secured to one of the bars53 of the table-top to extend lengthwise thereof, and enter between apair of tracks 251 secured to the other frame member 53 to extendlengthwise thereof, a roller 252, whereby the frame of which the rods101 are a part is maintained at all times, in the adjustment of theapparatus-as above stated, in parallel relation to the table-top.

In the use of the table for fluoroscopic work, the shutter deviceshereinbefore described would be associated with the tube-- holdingdevice as stated, the handle portion shownin Fig. 7 of the shutterdevice serving not only as a means for adjusting the shutters to varythe size of the opening, but also as a means for shifting thetube-holding device, when engaged with the track-way as hereinbeforestated, into different positions of adjustment, it being understood fromthe foregoing description that the support for the shutter mechanism asshown in Fig. 4 is such that when the tube-holding device occupies'theposition shown in Fig. 4. the shutter mechanism may be readily shiftedon its support into operative relation to the X-ray tube supported inthe holder.

When the table-top is in horizontal position, all lateral movements ofthe tube-sup porting parts mounted on the rods 101 are eflected bysliding these parts on the rods; and all movements of these tube-holdingparts lengthwise of the table-top are eiTected by moving the entiretube-stand structure lengthwise of the table on the guide bars 13 and48: and any combination of lateral and longitudinal movements of thesetubeholding parts result in a similar combination of movements of theseparts along the rods lOland of the tube-stand along the bars 13 and 43.hen the table-top is in vertical position, lateral movement of thetube-holding parts referred to are effected by the moving of these partsalong the bars 101 as explained in connection with the movement of theseparts when the table-top is in horizontal position, but all verticalmovement of these tube-holding parts result in the vertical movement ofthe sleeve 76 on the up right 64. Any combination of the lateral andvertical movements of these tube-holdingparts will necessarily result ina similar combination of movements of these parts along the bars 101,and the sleeve 76, vertically on the support 64. When the table-topoccupies a position between horizontal and vertical, lateral movement ofthe tube-holding parts referred to along the rods 101 is the same asthat above explained; but longitudinal. movement of these parts alongthetable-top involves a combination of a sliding movement of the tube-standalong the sup porting rods B and d3, vertical movement of the sleeve/76on the supporting column 64, and pivotal movement of the frame of whichthe rods 101 are a part, on the sleeve 76.

It will be noted that the tube-holding parts supported on the rods 101are, by reason of the guiding function performed by the tracks, causedto be held at all times, regardless of the adjustment of the table-topin a vertical plane, in a fixed relation to said table-top but free tohave universal move ment in parallel relation to the table-top. Thus asthe table-top is swung from one position to another the desiredoperative relation of the X-ray tube to the table-top is maintained andadjustments of the tube along the table-top may be readily made, itbeing understoochas hereinbefore explained, that the parts directlysupporting the X-ray tube may be rocked on the members 104 at the pivots112 to vary the angle at which, and the direction from which, the raysare directed against the patient.

In the use of the apparatus for radiographic work, the tube-stand wouldbe shifted to the extreme end at the head of the table to move therollers 249 and 259 beyond the tracks 250 and 251, permitting theoperator to swing the tube-supporting mechanism at its pivotalconnection with the sleeve to inverted position, namely that shown inFig. 1.3, the provision of the tube-supporting device as shown anddescribed permitting the tube to have universal movement for adjustingit to any position as desired, for the production of either a singleradiograph or the production of stereoscopic radio-graphs, in whichlatter case the plate-shifting carriage 210, carrying the plate-holderwith sensitized plates therein and shiftable in its operation ashereinbefore explained, would be employed to produce the stereoscopicradiographs, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

1t willbe noted from the foregoing that when the apparatus isconditioned for fluoroscopic work, the weight carried by the end of thecable 79 opposite that connected with the counterweight 83, is augmentedas compared with the weight imposed thereon when the apparatus is usedfor radiographic work, as for fluoroscopic work the sleeve 76 alsocarries the screen device hereinbefore described and of which the screen177 is a part, with its supporting rods 167 and the shutter mechanismdescribed. Therefore it is necessary, in order that this part of theapparatus be properly counterbalanced under both conditions, to providefor the varying of the counterweight, and this is effected by thearrangement shown and hereinbefore described, the counterweight 83serving to counter-balance the sleeve 76 and the parts carried thereby,with the screen device, supporting rods 167 and shutter mechanismremoved, and the counterweight 83 augmented by the auxiliarycounterweight 85 serving to counterbalance these parts including thescreen device, guide rods 167 and shutter mechanism. It will be notedthat the auxiliary counterweight 85, by reason of the engagement of thetrigger mechanism 86, cannot be released by the operator until thecounterweight 83 has risen into engagement with this auxiliarycounterweight and lifted it to a position in which the flange 87 is withdrawn from the path of movement of the finger 91. Thus the operatorcannot release the auxiliary counterweight 85 until it is supported bythe counterweight 83, thereby avoiding the possibility of damage to theapparatus which might occur should the auxiliary counterweight drop uponthe main counterweight 83.

The lifting of the auxiliary counterweight 85 as stated occurs in theadjustment of the tube-holding parts as herein before explained, toengage the rollers 24:9 and with the tracks 250 and 251, the release ofthis auxiliary counterweight supported by the main counterweight 83being effected by the operator shifting the pin 89 in an outwarddirection.

The feature of the adjustment of the column 64 on the bracket member 68as described is of advantage, as it serves as a means whereby, throughthe adjustment thus afforded, the column 64 may be caused to assume atrue vertical position, the column 64: being ishiftable at its lowerend, at the screws 71, crosswise of the table and swiveling on the rodand set in such position by the screws 71 and a set-screw 74 on part 74.

It will be understood that in the use of the table for radiographicwork, the sensitized plates or cassettes (Fig. 28) would extend insuperposed position "on the plates 235, and therefore interposed betweenthese plates and the table-top. These sensitized plates, however, arerendered very accesslble for removal from the table, and replace ment byother plates, regardless of the position occupied by the table-topandwithout re uiring the shifting of the plateholder engthwise of thecarriage, by reasea the adaptability-etthe an aea to movement to aposition on the frames 231, to which the sensitized plates or cas settescarried thereby are accessible to the operator at the under side, orback of the table-top. 1 The hinging of these plates at 234 isdesirable, as thereby the plates are held to the plate-holder frame. Itwill be understood, however, that if desired the plates 235 may bedisconnected from the plate-holder frame and releasably secured theretoin any desirable manner.

While I have illustrated and described a particular constructionembodying my invention, I do not wish to be understood as intending tolimit it thereto, as the same may be variously modified and alteredwithout departing from the spirit of my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an X-ray table, the combination of a frame, a table-top mountedthereon, a tube-stand mounted on said frame independently of saidtable-top, a tube-holder on said tube-stand movable above and below-said table-top, and means on said table cooperating with saidtube-holder for guiding said tube-holder in its movements beneath saidtable-top.

2. In an X-ray table, the combination of a frame, a table-top mountedthereon, a tube-stand mounted on said frame independently of saidtable-top, a tube-holder on said tube-stand movable above and below saidtable-top, and means on said table top below the upper surface thereofcooperating with said tube-holder for guiding said tube-holder in itsmovements beneath said tabletop.

3. In an X-ray table, the combination of a frame, a table-top mountedthereon, a tube-stand mounted on said frame independently of saidtable-top, a tube-holder movable above and below said table-top andadjustable up and down on said tube-stand, and guiding means on saidtable-top cooperating with said tube-holder adapted to guide saidtube-holder in its movements beneath said tabletop.

a. In an X-ray table, the combination of a frame, a table-top pivotallymounted thereon, a tubestand mounted on said frame independently of saidtable-top, a tube-holder movable above and below said table-top andadjustable up and down on said tube stand, and guiding means on saidtable-top cooperating with said tube-holder and adapting said holder tomove in a single plane shiftable with, below, and substantially parallelto said table-top,

5. in an X-ray table, the combination of a frame, a table-top pivotallymounted thereon, a tube-stand mounted on said frame, a tube-holderadjustable up and down ,theresnandi mevabie above and below 'saidlube-stand, and guiding means on verticallynew table-top adapted to beengaged by said tube-holder and operating to hold the latter to movementin a single plane sl-iiftable with, beneath and substanti; ll parallelto the table-top.

7. In an Xray table, the combination of a frame, a table-top pivotallymounted thereon, a tube-stand mounted on said frame indepenc'lently ofsaid table top, a tube-holder adjustable above and below said table topand on said stand, and vertically movable and shiftable along saidframe, and guiding means on said table-top cooperating with saidtube-holder, adapting the latter to move in a single plane below andsubstantiallyparallel to said table-top.

S. In an Xray table, the combinationof a frame, a table-top pivo lymounted thereon, a tube-stand moumed on said. frame independent of saidtable top and longitudinally adjustable along said frame, a tube-holdermovable above and. below said table top and vertically movable on said 7said table-top cooperating with said tube-holder auaptin g the latter tomove in a single plane below and substantially parallel to saidtable-top.

9. In an X-ray table, the combination of a frame, a table-top pivotallymounted thereon, a vertically movable tube holder mounted on said frameindependent of said table top and movable above and below said table topand along said frame, and guiding means on said table-top cooperatingwith said tube-holder adapting the latter to move in a single planebelow and substantially parallel to said table-top.

10. In an Xmay table, the combination of a frame, a table-top pivotallymounted thereon, a vertically moi able tube-holder mounted on said frameindependent of said table-top and movable above and below said table topand along said frame, and guiding means on said table-topand disposedpan allel thereto for said tube-holder. adapting" the latter tomove in asingle plane below said table-top, and shiftable and parallel therewith.v 1

7 l1, 1 In an-X ray table, the combination of a frame, a tabletop.pivotally mounted thereon, a: tubestendadjustableale, said fr me, aeivotally; supported o .tubeh lder vii-hie. on sesame-s ead,

movable above and below said table top and means on said table-top forguiding said tube-holder adapting the latter to move in a single planebelow and substantially parallel to salt tabletop.

12. In an X-ray table, the combination of a fran e, a table-toppivotally mounted thereon, a tube-stand adjustable along said frame, asupporting device for a tube-holder vertically adjustable on saidtube-stand, a tube-holder having pivotal connection with said device andextending crosswise of the table, and guiding means on said table-topadapting said tube-holder to movement in a plane substantially parallelwith said tabletop irrespective of the angular position of saidtable-top.

13. In an-X-ray table, the combination of a frame, a table-top pivotallymounted thereon, a tube-stand consisting of a vertical column and acarriage movable on said column, a tube-holder on said carriage, a trackon said table-top co-operating with said tube-holder to hold saidtube-holder in fixed relation to said tablewtop and allowing saidtube-holder to move in a plane substantially parallel to said table-top,and a connection between said tube-holder and tubestand whereby saidtubeholder is adapted to remain in cooperation with said track on saidtable-top throughout the movement of said table-top about its pivot.

14:. In an X-ray table, the combination of a frame, a table-toppivotally mounted thereon, a tube-stand mounted on said frameindependently of said table top, a tubeholder movable above and belowsaid tabletop and mounted on said tube-stand, and means forautomatically causing said tubeholder to follow the movement of saidtabletop in the movement of the latter on its pivot and to hold saidtube-holder to movement in a single plane substantially parallel to saidtable top.

15. In an X-ray table, the combination of a frame, a table-top pivotallymounted thereon, a tube-stand mounted on said frame independently ofsaid table top, a tube-holder on said tube-stand, guiding means on saidtable-top engaged by said tube-l'iolder and operating to hold the latter to movement in a single plane beneath and substantially parallel tosaid table- .too, and counter-balancin means for said tube-holder.

16. In an X-ray table, the combination of a frame, a table-top'pivotally mounted thereon, a tube-stand mounted on said frame andmovable along the latter, a tube' holder pivotallyconnected with saidtubestaudt and movable up and down, guiding amea-nsion said table topengagedby said tube-holder and operating. to lioldtithe. latter tomovement in asingIe' lane beneath and substantially; parallel tbtthe;tabletop, and i counter-balancing means for said tubeholder.

17; In an X-ray table, the combination of a frame, a table-top pivotallymounted thereon, a tube-stand on said frame and movable along thelatter, a tub-holdermovable up and down and comprising apivotally-supported member extending crosswise of said table and amember movable lengthwise on said first-named member, guiding means onsaid table-top operatively engaged by said first-named member andoperating to hold the latter to movement in a single plane beneath andsubstantially parallel to the table-top, and counterbalancing meansforsaid tube-holder.

18. In an X-ray table, the combination of a frame, a table top pivotallysupported thereon, a tube support mounted independen-t-ly of said tabletop, a tube holder mov able above and below said table top on said tubesupport, guide means on said table top, and means on said tube-holdercooperating with said guide means to hold said t supporting means tomovement in a sing plane below and substantially parallel to said tabletop.

19. In an X-ray table, the combination of a frame, a table-top pivotallysupported thereon, guide means on said table top, a supporting memberindependent of said table top, tube-holding means movable above andbelow said table top and on said supporting member engaging said guidemeans, and counter-balancing means supporting said tube-holder on saidsupporting meianber.

20. In an X-ray table, the combination of a frame, a table-top thereon,a tube-stand mounted on said frame, a tube-holder movable above andbelow said tabletop and sup ported from said stand, guide means on saidtabletop,- and means connected with said tube-holder whereby it isadapted to be moved into inverted position beneath said table-top andinto engagement with said guide means.

21. In an X-ray table, the combination of a frame, a, table top thereon,a tube-stand mounted on said frame, a tube-holder mov able above andbelow said table top and supported from said stand to swing on ahorizontal axis, guiding means on said table top, and means connectedwith said tubeholder to allow said tube-holder to be moved into aninverted position beneath said table top and into engagement with saidguiding means.

22. In an X-ray table, the combination of a frame, a table-top thereon,tracks on said table-top, a tube-stand mounted on said frame and movablealong the latter, a tubeholder, and a connection between said stand andsaid tube-holder whereby said tubeholder is adapted to be adjusted toextend above said table-top and into interlocking engagement with saidtracks in-an inverted position beneath said table-top.

23. In an X-ray table, the combination of a frame, a table-top thereon,tracks on said table-top, a tube-stand mounted on said frame and movablealong the latter, a tubeholder adjustable crosswise of said tabletop, aconnection between said stand and said tube-holder whereby saidtube-holder is adapted to extend above said table-top and also into intrlocking engagement with said tracks in an inverted position. beneatlsaid table-top.

In an iQ-ray table, the combination of a frame, a table top"thereon, atube stand, a tube-holder adjustablv mounted on said stand, a counterveight for said tube-holder, a shutter mechanism, a screen-holdingdevice, means for mounting said shutter mechanism and saidscreen-holding device on aid tube-holder, an auxiliary counterweight,n'ieans for securing said auxiliary counterwoignt against movement and.means for releasing saic securing means to allow said auxiliarycounterweight to operate with said main counterweight.

In an X-ray table, the combination or a frame, a table-top thereon, atube-stand, a tube-holder adjustable up and down on said tube-stand, amain counterweight to counterbalance said tube-holder, a shuttermechanism, a screen-holding device, means for secieiring saidshutter-mechanism and said screenholding device on said tube-holder anauxiliary counterweight means for securing said auxiliary counterweightagainst movement, and means for releasing said auxiliary counterweig tto operate with said main counterweight.

, 26. In an X-ray apparatus, a tube-holder,

counterbalancing means for said tubeholder, a shutter mechanism,ascreen-holding device releasably connected with said tube-holder, anauxiliary counterbalancing means for said shutter-mechanism and saidscreen-holding device, and means for holding said auxiliarycounterbalancing means in inoperative position, said means when releasedbeing adapted to allow said auxiliary counterbalancing means to besupported on said counterbalancing means for said tubeholder.

27. The combination of a support, a member supported on said support andmovable up and down thereon, main counterbalancing means for saidmember, an element releasably connected with said member, auxil--.

iary counterbalancing means for said ele* ment, and a member releasablysupporting said auxiliary counterbalancing means in position to engagesaid main counterbalancing means, said member being withdrawable fromsuch supporting position to release saidauxiliary counterbalancing means

